Modeling Multi-level Dyadic Behavior to Transform the Science and Practice of Psychotherapy Process and Outcome.

We will enroll 64 individuals meeting DSM 5 criteria for major depressive disorder, currently
depressed. Participants will receive brief, evidence-based psychotherapy for 8 sessions
delivered over 8-12 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either Interpersonal
Psychotherapy (IPT), or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Research questions focus on
process psychotherapy measures that are associated with outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-65

2. Meet DSM 5 criteria for major depressive disorder, current episode

3. HRSD-17 score ≥ 14 consistent with at least moderate depressive symptoms

4. If currently on antidepressant medication, must be on a stable dose for at least one
month at the time of study entry and agree to remain on that dose for study duration

5. Fluent in English

6. Capacity to understand and give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. At high risk for suicide, that, in the clinical opinion of the investigator, would
warrant a higher level of care such as hospitalization or intensive outpatient
programs

2. Current depressive episode has psychotic features

3. Current depressive episode has been present for > 104 weeks

4. Meets criteria for substance use disorders, as defined by DSM 5, in the past 3 months,
except for caffeine or nicotine. (Limited substance use, not meeting criteria for
substance use disorders, is not exclusionary).

5. Meets DSM 5 criteria for prior manic or hypomanic episode (bipolar I or II disorder)
or a psychotic disorder including schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia

6. Meets DSM 5 criteria for antisocial PD (MINI)

7. Significant, unstable, psychiatric co-morbidity that, in the opinion of the
investigators, requires an alternative treatment approach (i.e., unstable eating
disorder, unstable borderline personality disorder)

8. Significant unstable medical illness that may explain depressive symptoms such as
epilepsy, autoimmune disorder, chronic pain, or unstable endocrine disorder

9. Cognitive deficits that would preclude completion of study questionnaires or
participation in psychotherapy

10. Unable to unwilling to comply with study requirements (i.e., complete forms, attend
sessions)